Rising since 1989, #1,281 for boys today.
Popularity of Yakov since 1953
Babies named Yakov per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 18 |
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 95 |
| 1980s | 205 |
| 1990s | 395 |
| 2000s | 721 |
| 2010s | 1,074 |
| 2020s | 827 |
Meaning & origin
Yakov, the Hebrew form of Jacob, has been in use in the United States since at least 1953. In 2025, it ranked 1,281st nationally, reflecting a steady rise from its resurgence in 1989, and it peaked at 1,281st in 2024. With a 1-in-11,164 incidence, it remains a distinctive choice. The name is most popular in New York and New Jersey, states with sizable Jewish populations. As a direct biblical name, Yakov connects bearers to a long tradition, yet its rising trajectory suggests it is also seen as a fresh alternative to the more common Jacob.
Yakov is a Hebrew name derived from the biblical Ya'akov (יַעֲקֹב), traditionally explained as meaning 'heel-holder' or 'supplanter' from the account of Jacob grasping Esau's heel at birth. It is the direct Hebrew form of Jacob, used by Jewish communities across the diaspora. The name has been borne by many notable figures in Jewish history and remains a common given name in Israel and among Ashkenazi Jews.
Where Yakov is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Yakov” around the world
Where Yakov lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yasha, Yankel, Kov
Sibling names for Yakov
Names that share Yakov's style, for a brother or sister.
